Prairie Purple Coneflower

Purple prairie coneflower is a native perennial wildflower in the Asteraceae plant family, also known as the sunflower family. It is found in the tallgrass prairie and Great Plains from Texas to Canada. It is readily recognized by its large showy heads of light purple petals. Purple prairie coneflower flowers from June to August.

Purple prairie coneflower is also commonly called blacksampson or echinacea..

Purple prairie coneflower is adapted to frequent fire. It is often found in areas of disturbance, which includes fire, grazing and mechanical treatments.

Purple prairie coneflower is valuable because of its use in a variety of medicines and herbal remedies. Many species of butterflies use it for its sweet nectar.